Peyton Manning not satisfied after win: ‘Plenty we can improve on’

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning broke Tom Brady’s 2011 record for most touchdown passes through the first three games of a season in a 37-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Monday night.

Manning finished 32 of 37 passing for 374 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions and had a passer rating of 135.8. For the season, he has thrown for 1,143 yards with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

“I still think we can correct some things,” Manning said after the game via the team’s website. “Our defense did a good job holding their offense. When we have those chances down in the red zone, third-and-1, to have to settle for – to get stopped and have to settle for a field goal on that one drive. And then just had a couple of – had the sack-fumble – you’re not looking to play the perfect game. You’re looking to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

“I thought we left a couple of maybe touchdowns out there tonight. Those are things we can fix, which you’re going to need those in a game at certain points of a season. But just got to keep emphasizing protecting the ball and eliminate some penalties I thought early in the game. I think we do a good job of overcoming those penalties from time-to-time, but I still think there is plenty we can improve on. I really do.”

Decker caught eight of Manning’s passes Monday for 133 yards and one touchdown.

“He’s playing all right (laughing). He’s playing OK.,” Decker said of Manning. “All I can say is that it is really amazing to play with a guy of his ability and his leadership. We win games during the week at practice. He makes sure we’re on top of things so when Sunday comes, it is easier. I appreciate the work that he does for us.”

Wes welker and Julius Thomas each had a touchdown, while Demaryius Thomas had ten receptions for 94 yards.

One player on the Broncos roster was disappointed with the end result: Wesley Woodyard.

“Definitely happy with a win,” he said. “We’ll definitely Take a win any time we can get one, but like I said, we gave up too many points. We’ve got to stop that leakage football.”

Asked if he was serious when he said he was disappointed with the result.

“Yes, I am, absolutely. 21 points is way too many points,” Woodyard said.

“Still, it doesn’t matter if they get the ball on the one-inch yard line. It’s our job to stop them and we didn’t do that in the fourth quarter.”

Note: Head coach John Fox on the injury report following the game:

“Alright, update on the injury report: [CB] Tony Carter, left the game with a right ankle (injury), did not return. [LB] Paris Lenon, same thing with a thigh bruise or strain – not sure exactly – it’s his left thigh. And then [S]Duke Ihenacho, kind of tweaked that right ankle that was a little sore on him last week. We just pulled him out to kind of save that ankle.”